# sensed

/ˈsɛnst/ (US) · /sˈɛnsd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sensed
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

to feel or realize something without being told. You use this when you have a gut feeling about a situation or a person's mood.

For teachers: to perceive or become aware of something through intuition or physical sensation rather than direct evidence. Often used to describe the detection of subtle emotional shifts or environmental changes.

## Examples

- She sensed that something was wrong as soon as she walked in.
- The experienced hiker sensed a change in the wind and decided to find shelter before the storm arrived.
- Although no words were spoken, he sensed her growing frustration through the tense silence and the way she avoided eye contact during the meeting.

## Usage notes

- Transitive; typically takes a noun phrase or a 'that' clause as its object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.